Paul Greengrass, born on August 13, 1955, is an English film director, producer, screenwriter, and former journalist. He is known for his signature use of hand-held cameras and a documentary-style approach, often dramatizing real-life events with a focus on kinetic urgency. Greengrass's films often explore themes of political turmoil, asymmetrical conflicts, and human endurance.
Greengrass gained international recognition with "Bloody Sunday" (2002), which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. He further solidified his reputation with his work on the "Bourne" franchise, directing "The Bourne Supremacy" (2004), "The Bourne Ultimatum" (2007), and "Jason Bourne" (2016). Other notable films include "United 93" (2006), for which he won a BAFTA Award for Best Director and received an Academy Award nomination, and "Captain Phillips" (2013).
Greengrass has several upcoming projects, including "The Lost Bus," starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera, which is based on the 2018 California wildfires and will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2026. He is also directing "The Uprising" (previously titled "The Hood" and "The Rage"), an action period drama starring Andrew Garfield set during the Peasants' Revolt. In addition, Greengrass is set to write and direct a film adaptation of Stephen King's novel "Fairy Tale".